STURGIS, SD – The Northern Hills Ag Fest and the Meade County Fair & 4-H Achievement Days, July 28 & 29, 2023 will offer something for everyone at free events throughout the weekend in Sturgis. Jenny Voight, 4-H Youth Program Advisor says it’s a county and city celebrations.
“We have activities throughout both days for families to come out and enjoy,” says Voight. “It’s fun entertainment for the community.”
The Northern Hills Ag Fest on Friday, July 28th is an agricultural festival in celebration of all things ranching and farming. The Ag Fest event includes a free community BBQ sponsored by local businesses, followed by family-friendly agriculture competitions including a Calf Scramble, and the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’ event. To participate, sign up at Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Pioneer Bank or the day of the event.
Fundraisers on Friday will raise money for fair building improvements.
“We have made many improvements to the fair building over the winter,” shared Voigt. “Now we are raising money to put bathrooms in.”
Listen to Interview with Meade County Fair Board President Shelley Sedivig
Area lenders will be the target of the dunk tank on Friday afternoon. Each of the financial institutions will be competing against each other to raise the most money. There is also a “Chuck-a-Duck” competition on Friday that involves buying rubber ducks and tossing them over the arena fence and hitting one of three targets. Prizes are awarded to winner.
From rocket launches to the Brandon Delzer Legacy 5K Walk/Run, to turtle races and bubble gum blowing contests, the Meade County Fair is definitely kid-friendly and open to everyone – 4-H members and non-members alike.
“I love that about our fair,” said Voigt. “It’s the simplest activities and events that are so kid centered. Where they come out and just be kids, bringing their frogs and turtles, joining in the watermelon eating contest, playing volley ball or in the sandbox- it’s kids having a great time for two, straight days.”
The number of open exhibits are bursting at the seams this year, says Voigt who reminds fair goers the exhibits are on view in the Sturgis Brown High School gymnasium. And the livestock shows have a large number of entries as well with a reminder from Voigt not to forget the Premium Livestock Sale on Saturday.
All traditional static exhibits are set up for viewing at the high school beginning Friday. Livestock Day is Saturday and the Premium Sale gets underway at 3:30p.m. That’s followed by a Pie Auction sponsored by the Meade County 4-H Leaders Association with money raised going towards scholarships and camps for kids.
None of it happens without a lot of people pulling together, said Voigt.
“Sponsors are so important to the Meade County Fair, we couldn’t do it without them. That, and all the volunteers who help over the two days and throughout the year since we work on the Fair over the course of the year.”
See more information and complete schedules on line at meadecountyfairsd.com and on Facebook.
